Microsoft's Xbox division has confirmed that new next-generation hardware is in development, with prototypes and designs underway, and a partnership with AMD announced, aiming to offer more innovative gaming options for various types of players.
Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed that Microsoft is actively developing next-generation hardware, countering rumors that the company was abandoning console development, and emphasizing their commitment to innovation and providing multiple gaming options.
Xbox fans are excited about the upcoming next-generation hardware following a teaser from Microsoft, which announced a multi-year partnership with AMD to develop new consoles, handheld devices, and cloud support for Xbox Game Pass, with fans eager for new releases like Halo and Gears of War.
Xbox's Sarah Bond reaffirms the company's commitment to delivering the "biggest technological leap ever in a generation" with its next-gen hardware, dispelling earlier skepticism. Microsoft confirms the authenticity of Bond's message to employees, which also touched on Xbox's recent achievements and innovations in Gaming AI, signaling the company's confidence in its upcoming hardware.
Laptop makers are betting on the emerging trend of AI PCs, which is expected to drive an 11% growth in the PC market by 2024. The sluggish PC industry is predicted to rebound next year, with shipments projected to reach 267 million units, an 8% YoY growth. The influx of artificial intelligence into mainstream markets, coupled with the consumer upgrade cycle and the emergence of ARM-based competitors, are seen as key factors behind this growth. Companies like Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and AMD are introducing ARM-based CPU solutions, offering consumers an alternative to the traditional x86 architecture.
Nintendo's next-generation console, often referred to as "Switch 2," is expected to be released in the second half of 2024. The console will likely be playable as a portable device and support cartridge-based games, featuring an LCD screen instead of an OLED screen. While details are scarce, some key partner studios reportedly have development kits for the device. Nintendo has not officially announced the console but has hinted at a smooth transition from the Switch to the new platform. Backward compatibility with Switch games on the new console is uncertain, as some third-party publishers have expressed concerns about its impact on sales of next-gen titles. The official rollout of next-gen news may not happen for several months or even close to a year.